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SANDY -- Utahns rank first in the nation for volunteerism, and that culture of service thrives at a company in Sandy. Employees at BD Medical have raised thousands of dollars to help children around the world in need of health care. Their efforts most recently benefited children in Ecuador.
Employees give a lot of the credit to their fundraising leader Tania Steinbruegge. Patty Chase, an associate at BD Medical, said, "Tania is probably one of the most giving people I've ever met. She has taught me the true spirit of volunteerism."
The company supports Project Perfect World, which arranges for volunteers to perform surgeries on children in third world countries. It's surgery that otherwise they would never have access to.
"These doctors volunteer their time," Tania said. "All of the volunteers go there and volunteer their time and help these little kids."
One of Tania's co-workers, Darin Vincent, nominated her for the High 5.
"They just had raffles and silent auctions. We had a giant yard sale here on site. We had a raffle for an iPad, just a bunch of different events that kind of culminated in $40,000," he said.
Another associate, Launa Barker, said, "They come back with all these great pictures of the kids they've helped. You know you just shed a tear every time you see those kids and some of those surgeries they've had."
Tania told KSL, "You go there and you see these sweet little kids and they are just so grateful and welcoming of anything we can do for them. It just touches your heart."
Darin said, "I've been on one of the trips a couple of years ago and it's just -- you come back with a new vision of things and you truly understand what's really important."
Tania said neither materialistic things, nor the "day to day grind" are most important. "It's helping other people and helping them have a better life."
Tania contends that her co-workers at BD Associates are the real heroes. Their contributions and efforts have funded three Project Perfect World missions and Tania is hoping for more in the future.
Patty added, "Everything you do with Tania - from the fundraising to the trips - she's just so positive and happy and cheerful and just is fun to be around. She makes you want to keep working and working, even when you're tired."
Our High 5 partners, Les Schwab, gave Tania a gift basket as a thank you for her service.
To nominate someone for a High 5, click here.
